Holding on to that fitness resolution

The summer holiday is about to start and it’s time to get into a workout routine. During the winter season, you’ve been laid-back and relaxed at home while indulging in the lovely food with family. But not it’s time to set up a resolution or two. Getting active is a common resolution but it’s also one you might not even think about by late December.

Why are workout goals always the hardest? Stay strong when you feel tempted to eat that mouth-watering cupcake. Move all the negativity out of your way. Don’t even think of hitting the snooze button when it’s gym time. Don’t join a gym or health club just to put your mind at ease. Join because you want to reach a goal. Motivation comes from within. Getting yourself a new gym outfit from Triumph South Africa will also inspire you to hit the gym. A stylish workout outfit just might be enough motivation to get you going.

Make your fitness goal as attainable as possible. Start off small with three sessions per week. Discipline yourself. You can easily cheat on your diet by enjoying a Tuesday afternoon doughnut or two at the office. Don’t fall into this trap. Set a goal you know you’ll reach.

Here are a few tips on how to hold on to that fitness goal.

Confidence

If you want to reach anything, it all starts with having faith in yourself and the confidence to actually do it. There’s nothing more critical than setting up a fitness plan and sticking to it. For instance, if you set a goal that you want to lose 20 kilograms by April, you first have to trust yourself and believe that you’re able to achieve it. It’ll get tough but that doesn’t mean you should give up. Never give up on something that you want to achieve. It’s normal to think you won’t make it, but always try to look on the bright side. Confidence simply leads to success.

Be realistic

Trying out something new means you have to be realistic about it. You don’t really know what to expect. If you set a fitness goal you can’t reach, chances are that you won’t achieve them. Don’t go for something that you know you’re not ready for. You’re new to the game and can’t aim too high. However, don’t let that stop you from trying. Setting a goal to run five kilometers per day is not realistic if you’re constantly out of breath when you walk down the stairs at the office. Commit to achieving your goal and set one that’s not impossible to reach.

Drag a friend along

Maybe you like working out on your own but that doesn’t mean there’s no room for a friend. This might be your biggest motivator. Having someone to workout with will be fun and will encourage you to reach your goal. It’ll also hold you responsible if you don’t achieve your goal. Team up with someone who’s in the same boat as you. Set up a fitness plan together and write down what both of you would like to achieve. It’s also wise to add a date to this, then you’ll realise that you’re working towards a due date.

One day at a time

Don’t try to rush into things. If you’re starting today you won’t see results immediately. Be patient. Take it one day at a time. Visiting the gym or health club every day for two hours won’t help. You’ll just drain all your energy out. If you go to the gym three times a week, you can take a 30-minute walk or stretch on other days. Reward yourself with a day off. Enjoy a day of relaxation and no workouts.

Enjoy it

You can’t do something that you don’t love or enjoy. What’s the point of doing it, anyway? Make the best of your workout experience and enjoy every moment of it. If you enjoy it, you’ll want to go back there again. Experiment with different workout routines until you find the one you love. Make it a habit to workout and set challenges for yourself. To have the best time of your life while working out, put on some dancing music.

The more people who know you’re exercising, the better. They’ll know not to offer you that king size burger and fried chips. In some cases, they’ll even try to motivate you. Remember that this is about you. It’s not about being better than someone else or competing with your fellow gym mates, it’s about being a better person than you were before. You’ll thank yourself at the end.